Sibongile Buda, Bandleader and Producer

Sibongile Buda, known as Ms. Buda Bass, was born in Mamelodi, South African. She was introduced to music by her childhood friends. Her passion for music is traced back to her grandmother, who plays an African drum in church. She studied Music Theory at Committed Artist for Cultural Advancement (CAFCA) music school and wrote with external music theory with the University of South Africa (UNISA) through CAFCA.

She is a Music teacher at (CAFCA), which focuses on the enhancement of music skills in children from disadvantaged communities. She has been an advocate for female empowerment and inclusion in the male-dominated industry. She is the founder and Program Director of a femaleled organization, Jazz Camp for Female Instrumentalists Mamelodi (JCFI) that enhances women with artistic skills in music, dance, drama, poetry and visual arts.

“The purpose of our organization is to groom and empower females with artistic skills from an early age and to provide a platform for female artists to showcase their talent,” Sibongile shared.

Her advice to younger women entering the world of music is to believe in yourself, work on your craft, claim your space, and be the change you want to see.

Sibongile Buda started her journey at JCFI in 2009. In 2020, she became the host and producer of the Global Jazzwomen Hang. The first program produced was a Jazz Camp, in 2009, at South Africa Pretoria Edendale Independent School. Her most challenging issue is dealing with artists who double book themselves for events, and lack of resources and funds to reach out to females especially in rural areas.

The organization produced 100 females since its inception. “We provide free mentorship programs. We groom and empower the women with artistic skills at camps and outreach workshops,” said Sibongile.

The largest budget she has worked with is Two Million Rand or $120,000, approximately.

“The JCFI team is the best! They understand the vision of the organization and the impact they want to see in their communities through service rendered. Their efforts toward positive change gives hope to their community because they strive for success!”

Sibongile’s mentor is Jesse Mogale, a notable bassist from her hometown. Regarding learning to become a producer, Sibongile was driven by the change she wanted to see in her community and she had to learn on the job.

2005: Enoch Sontonga Hall at UNISA 2008: CAFCA Music Ensemble in Beijing 2009: Molde Jazz Festival with JCFI Norway Band 2011: Jazz Education Network (JEN) conference in New Orleans, LA, USA 2011: South African Association for Jazz Education (SAJE) conference at University of Cape Town 2011: International Society of Bassists (ISB) at San Francisco State University 2011: Grahamstown National Arts Festival 2013: South African Association for Jazz Education (SAJE) hosted by UKZN 2015: Maru-a-Pula Festival in Botswana 2016: Recorded an All-female album with It has to be jazz called Mother Tongue 2017: Showcase in Delft, Netherlands, with CAFCA Ensemble 2017: Panel discussion at JEN conference in New Orleans 2017: Performed at the Jazz at the Lincoln Centre an all-female Globe Jam. 2020: Hosted an online platform called the Global Jazzwomen Hang 2021: Vice-President of the Board for League of Women Bass Players, Inc.